This audiobook is giving fire, strength, romance, courage and tenacity. I loved every minute of it. True determination shown through with Medinia. I loved that she got her story and her adventure. I feel as though her character continues to just grow and she is easily a top FMC for me. I love the story and the cliffhanger it ended on was insane! I am waiting patiently for the next book in the duology. This is a masterpiece, Stacia. True masterpiece! An epic romantacy.

Now that’s what I call romantasy!

If you’re looking for tension & yearning, banter, enemies to lovers, one bed trope this will scratch all those vibes.

I learned after reading other reviews that the FMC & MMC are characters from a different series and that this can be read separate from that. However knowing this now I want to go and absorb the main series (Kingdom of Lies) so I can learn more about these characters. I enjoyed this book but do think I would have enjoyed it even more had I known more about them.

The audiobook was a duet narration by two popular book narrators: Meg Sylvan & Tim Paige.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media & Stacia Stark for the ALC.

𝓣𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷 𝔀𝓱𝓸 𝓯𝓪𝓬𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓵𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓮—𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭𝓮𝓭. 𝓚𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓫𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰.

If I had to resume my thoughts about This Vicious Dream, it would probably be something like : « woooww ». It was one of my most anticipated read of 2025 and it did not disappoint.
To say I loved that book would be an understatement. I already had a soft spot for Madinia and Calysian in the Kingdom of lies and I quickly became obsessed with them on a whole new level.

This book was everything we love in a romantasy. Amazing plot with adventures, battles, plot twists and tons of intrigue but also sweet and funny moments and the perfect amount of romance, not overwhelming but still there.

I thought Lorian would be my fav Stacia Stark MMC. Boy I was so so wrong. * ℂ𝕒𝕝𝕪𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟 𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕥 * and I was DONE FOR. He climbed the ranks and secured himself a spot as one of my favs MMC really damn fast.

Madinia is such a badass icon, I absolutely love that woman. Seriously… the thorns ? FABULOUS idea, wish I could steal that one. She took more time than Calysian to warm up to the idea of … well, them, but once she did, they were phenomenal.

The banter was hilarious and sometimes … hot as f#ck I’m not gonna lie. Every single one of their interactions made me cackle or swoon, and sometimes cry a bit, but who am I kidding, wouldn’t be a Stacia Stark book if I didn’t cry at least a bit. Seriously this book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. And that cliffhanger ? Yeah. Typical Stacia fashion. But we love her for it.

All the characters in this book were so well crafted, each with their own complex backstories. Seeing some characters from the kingdom of lies series made my heart really really happy.
The Kingdom of death duet could be read by itself, however, If you have the time, I would recommend reading the Kingdom of lies series as it would give you a bit more insight on some characters you read about in This Vicious Dream.

ARC review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for This Vicious Dream by Stacia Stark

This Vicious Dream is a spinoff romantasy following Madinia from the Kingdom of Lies series. This book is action packed and the world Stacia Stark created is enormous. This Vicious Dream can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the 4 previous books first. If you are just being dropped into this world without the background, it can be overwhelming and confusing. Even though I recently read the last book of the series, I had a little trouble remembering at first. After that initial confusion, the book found its pace and never let off the gas. I found this to be a fun, quick, and spicy read. Madinia’s character is one of my favorites and continuing her journey while getting to experience more of her ruthless pragmatism was just what I wanted. Calysian also returns in this book and he and Madinia’s relationship is shaping up to be pretty epic. I was lucky enough to get an advance audio copy of this book from Dreamscape and Netgalley, and I’m so thankful. The narrators Tim Paige and Meg Sylvan absolutely nailed the audio in Kingdom of Lies and returning to continue this story was the best choice. As usual they brought this book and its characters to life. Cannot wait for book 2!

This Vicious Dream is out now, it’s also available on KU.

Do not sleep on this author! Stacia knows how to tell the most interesting stories packed with action, romance, intrigue, war/battles, heart break & healing, and the best kind of character growth! I loved Madinia’s rage, independence, and her strong sense of self preservation but I loved seeing her growth while she learned to open up to people and allow herself to care for others (disclaimer: you get more of this if you’ve read the Kingdom of Lies as well).

I was excited to read more about Madinia and Calysian after getting little Easter eggs in the KoL series but I had no idea what to expect, since I felt like things got wrapped up so nicely in that series. But Stacia did not disappoint! This story kept me entirely engaged, I cannot wait to read more, and I will never stop recommending these books!

loved Kingdom of Lies and was so excited to read Madinia’s story. My expectations were high and Stacia Stark blew those expectations out the water.

We see the Madinia that we knew from the Kingdom of Lies series - the standoffishness and slight coldness she had, but we also see more sides of her and I loved those sides. She’s a well rounded character with so many facets and and the author doesn’t shy away from showing the reader them.

I also adore Calysian - there’s just something about him! Again he’s well rounded and we see so much of who and what he is.

Absolutely amazing read!

My most recent and favourite read of Stacia’s, This Vicious Dream.

Should I have finished the Kingdom of Lies series before diving into the prequel series, Kingdom of Death… probably! But I just couldn’t resist snagging an ALC from @netgalley and I am so glad I did! The dual narration was absolutely EVERYTHING! I can’t recommend the audiobook enough, the story was already so addictive but the narration really pulled me in!

This book has it all; epic battles, forgotten gods, loveable characters, a badass found family, magical forests, dangerous Grimoires, prophecies, plenty of tension, and heartbreak.

I can’t wait for book two, and will definitely be picking it up via audio!! Audio narrators can really make or break a book, and these two MADE it!

I enjoyed Kingdom of Lies so I was excited for this book. This book was entertaining. It wasn't the most exciting book I've ever read but it was good. I'll read the next one in the duology.

The audiobook of This Vicious Dream (Kingdom of Death #1) by Stacia Stark, narrated by Meg Sylvan and Tim Paige, is a true treat. Tim and Meg delivered captivating performances, bringing the characters to life with their narration and kept me fully immersed in the journey from start to finish.
This Vicious Dream captivated me, and I'm eager to continue listening to the audiobooks to fully immerse myself in the Kingdom of Death series.

This story is a spin off from the kingdom of lies series- do not read until you finish!

Stacia brings it again- I can honestly say that she is one of my favourite authors. The fans asked for more and she definitely gave it to us! I was so excited when this book was announced!
This story begins right where kingdom of lies ends off and then fast forwards into Madinia’s story. She’s my favourite MFC. She’s fierce, stubborn, protective and loyal. She has a HUGE character growth throughout the entire series and blooms even more. This book has it all. Answers to the questions in kingdom of lies, adventure, lust -insert smirk here- enemies to lovers, keeps you on your toes and smacks you right in the heart.
I don’t want to get into spoilers but good golly I cannot wait for the next one. This book is a perfect sequel, chefs kiss!

Let me start off by saying that when I listened to this book, I had no idea that it was connected to the Kingdom of Lies series. That being said, you can read this without having read that series, as I didn’t struggle to understand what was going on in this book. But after going back and listening to that series, you definitely would have a better understanding of the world and the characters. I would recommend starting with Kingdom of Lies just so you have a full picture of the story. I did love this book though. Madinia is such a fiery woman. She is strong, feisty, and unafraid to be herself, yet she does still have some moments where she shows a softer side, which really helps offset her prickly outside. Calysian is a perfect pairing for her, his witty sarcastic personality is the best complement for Madinia’s fiery persona. It’s so clear from very early on that he cares for her so very deeply, even when his darkness takes control of him. The dynamic between the two is beautiful, and having Meg Sylvan and Tim Paige voice these characters is like the cherry on top. They do such a fantastic job of breathing life into Madinia and Calysian. I’d recommend this for anyone who likes an enemies-to-lovers tale, slow-burn, and spice that ramps up the more you read.

I really enjoyed This Vicious Dream. The story pulled me in right away with its fast pace, intriguing world, and high stakes. I loved the tension between Madinia and Calysian—their dynamic was full of sharp banter, slow-burn chemistry, and emotional depth. The way their relationship developed kept me hooked. The ending left me wanting more, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in the sequel!

I listened to the audiobook version of this book. I love a good duet narration. It was perfect for this story!

Thank you to Stacia Stark, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the ARC!

DNF at 40%

While the narrators were engaging, I didn't connect with the story itself.

This is likely a me problem because I haven't read Stark's Kingdom of Lies series. I plan to revisit this book after trying KoL to see if it's just my lack of backstory.

This Vicious Dream is the first book in a new series set in the same world as the Kingdom of Lies series. While you don’t have to read that series before starting This Vicious Dream, I think certain scenes will be more impactful after reading the original series. I love that Stark decided to write a book about Medinia. I found her character fascinating in the Kingdom of Lies series and couldn’t wait to learn more about her. Stark did not disappoint with Medinia’s character growth and development. I also found this to be a very fast paced read that launches into the action right from the beginning. It was easy to get drawn into the story. If you have not read Kingdom of Lies, the world building and magic systems may be a little sparse in This Vicious Dream but for those familiar with both, its refreshing to not have to rehash all of the information. I also enjoyed the chemistry between Medinia and Calysian although, for me, the “this can’t happen again” moments between them got a little repetitive. I found the audiobook narration to be engaging, and the narrators were able to hold my interest. It did take me a minute to get used to Sylvan in the context of this book rather than some others I’m familiar with, but that was a me issue. I felt that Sylvan and Paige did great to capture Medinia and Calysian’s emotions. Overall, I’m excited to get my hands on book 2 in the series.

If you’ve read Stacia’s Kingdom of Lies series and loved it (like me), DO NOT HESITATE to read this one!! Even if you haven’t read KoL, READ THIS!! It's a standalone, but set in the same universe as KoL.

I loved this story so much. The plot, the magic, the emotion — but most of all, the MCs stole my heart, and honestly, they can keep it forever. This was an emotional journey that I could not put down. I laughed, cried, and fell in love within these pages, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. The tension, the banter, the spicy goodness — all of it had me hooked.

I'm already pining for more of this story and these characters, especially with the way this one ended. I can't wait for more!

Thank you to NetGalley, Stacia Stark, and Dreamscape Media for the arc audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars

The audiobook was excellent. Meg Sylvan and Tim Paige did a fantastic job with the cast of characters. I knew it was going to be good since they also narrated the Kingdom of Lies series audiobooks.


4.75 stars

I knew I would adore Madinia's story after the ending in Kingdom of Lies. I wondered where her journey was going to take her. I had a funny feeling we would see Calysian again. I hate to say it, but I love Madinia's story a bit more than Prisca’s. Madinia is a fiercely protective black cat FMC. All the things I love in an FMC. I was not expecting that plot twist. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2. I need to know what happens next. I highly recommend it! I recommend reading the Kingdom of Lies first, just to understand who Madinia is.

Before I even dive into the review, I would just like to preface this with the fact that I really wish I didn't pick this up until I finished the original series. This is a standalone that can definitely be read and understood by itself BUT my experience was definitely hindered by not having more background information.

This was my own fault for not doing so and after reading other reviews a lot of people recommend reading this after the original too. With that being said, I still had a decent time and did not heavily hold this against my review thoughts!

The story was interesting, if not a bit chaotic at times with many plot points transpiring at once, and I really enjoyed the dual pov narrators...until they voiced the other MC which is a hard thing and mostly a personal preference. I just don't feel that they fit the other character well, but again, didn't hold this against the plot or the events, etc.

I did have a small bit of trouble on audio with some very similar sounding names thrown in at first - once I picked them up it was better, but I actually ended up going back to refer to the ebook version when it was published last week after listening to make sure I was picking up the right characters.

The romance did fall a little flat for me at times and I struggled to feel the true connection between the MC's. Supposedly it was strong in the original series, but since I have not read it, I unfortunately cannot relate.

✧ Dual POV & Dual Narration
✧ Forced Proximity
✧ Cat and Mouse
✧ On the run together / shared "quest"
✧ Reluctant Allies
✧ Betrayal, betrayal, some more betrayal? lol
✧ Fueding forgotten Gods & Goddesses

TLDR; I have a feeling if you read and loved the original series you will like this. I think most of my faults were because I didn't truly understand the back story. I wish it had been promoted a bit more to be read after the original series (or that I had seen other reviews recommending this prior to requesting).

3.75★

Thank you so much to Dreamscape Media for the ALC!! As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. :)

I’m giving this a 3.5 stars Thank you NetGalley for this audio arc. This is my honest review. The narration was done quite well. I do however feel like this would’ve been a little better as a duet audiobook. I will definitely be picking up the second book, but I did feel a little lost. I probably should’ve read the previous series 1st. I read that you didn’t mean to read the previous theories before reading this one. I don’t believe that’s correct. I feel like I would’ve much more understood this world had I read that series 1st. I also feel like large portions of this book could have been taken out and it still would’ve made sense. It just felt too long. I did not see that trope coming in at the end. So I was pretty shocked with that. all in all a pretty decent book.

Huge thanks to Stacia Stark for the ARC of This Vicious Dream! As a long-time fan of the Kingdom of Lies series, I was beyond excited to return to this rich, emotionally charged world. Set three years after the events of KoL, this new duet follows Madinia - a character who intrigued me from the moment she appeared in the original series - as she finally steps into the spotlight with her own powerful, deeply personal journey.

While This Vicious Dream can technically be read as a standalone duet, but I highly recommend reading the Kingdom of Lies series first. Not only will it give you a better grasp of the world and its complex politics, but it’ll also help you fully appreciate the weight of Madinia’s choices and the subtle callbacks woven throughout the story.

Read if you love:
🥀 Stabby, sharp-tongued FMCs
🥀 Found family
🥀 Forced proximity (yes, there’s one horse/one bed)
🥀 Dual POVs that add emotional depth
🥀 Forgotten gods and ancient powers
🥀 Series like Quicksilver, Kingdom of Lies, ACOTAR, Legends of Thezmarr, and Lady of Darkness - basically anything featuring fierce fae/hybrid heroines, lush worldbuilding, and emotionally tangled relationships.

I absolutely loved following Madinia’s story in this first installment. It carries the same level of detail, slow-burn tension, and immersive atmosphere that made KoL so captivating. The dream sequences were particularly well done - ethereal, eerie, and full of clues - and I appreciated the way Stacia slowly unfurled key information with expert pacing.

I was lucky enough to receive both the physical ARC and the audio ARC, and I have to say - the audiobook was phenomenal. Narrated once again by Meg Sylvan, whose voice has become the voice of Madinia for me, the audio added a whole new layer of depth and emotion. I love that Stacia kept the same narrator from KoL, as it created a beautiful sense of continuity and helped carry Madinia’s emotional arc forward seamlessly.

I’m already counting down the days until the next book drops. This world still has so much more to give, and I cannot wait to see where Madinia’s path leads next. 🩷

Fast paced, fun characters and intriguing twists. I was so hooked from the very beginning. Gives a little bridgerton vibes with the best fantasy plot.